Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Durham is 24% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,412/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 30%
$79,234/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 52%
$355,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 24%
$1,434/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 47%
288,465
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $41,039/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs McKinney — common questions

Is Durham or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and McKinney?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or McKinney?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $41,039/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View McKinney details →

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